“Make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:25-27).
When you think of eternal life, what comes to your mind? For most Christians, we think of Heaven, or the New Heavens and New Earth. We think of the place where God will have us living, and the loved ones we will spend time with. We even think of seeing Jesus face-to-face. But would it surprise you to know that this is not the emphasis of the New Testament? Notice how Paul defined the, “Hope of Glory.” He calls it a “Mystery.” What is that mystery? It is, “Christ in you.”
Remember what Jesus said to his disciples when he was preparing to die? “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit. As a man, Jesus could occupy only one place at a time and interact with only a limited number of people. But the Holy Spirit could occupy all of them and direct and commune with all of them. And this is true for every Christian throughout history, today, and into the future. This is what Paul refers to when he talks about Christ in you. Christ is in you through the Holy Spirit who indwells the Christian.
If you have the Holy Spirit, you have Christ. If you have Christ, you have the Father. This is the great mystery of the faith. You will never be alone. For all of eternity the Spirit of Jesus (Philippians 1:19) will indwell you and fellowship with you.
Memory Verse
“[The Holy Spirit] will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14).
Application
Since you have the knowledge of the Spirit living in you, how should you conduct your affairs? Though you cannot see Jesus right now, you have his Spirit in you. How does this bring you comfort and purpose?